Posted September 6, 2011 16:18:23 CDT

National Labor Negotiations

by LR

Collective Bargaining Process, Railway Labor Act Governs

As National Negotiations continue, the Railway Labor Act (RLA) governs the process for negotiations.  While the railroads have  reached agreement with the UTU and its Yardmaster Department, the railroads continue in mediation with the Transportation Communications Workers Coalition (TCU, BRC, IAM, IBEW, ATDA and TWU), and the Rail Labor Bargaining Coalition (RLBC - IBB, SMWIA, NCFO, BLET, BMWE and BRS).  Additionally, negotiations continue with those Unions that are not being handled at the National table. Meetings with ARASA (Supervisors), BLET (Engineers), TCU/IAM (Clerks) at ICTF and USCA (Yardmasters) have been held and are scheduled going forward.

Under the RLA, rail collective bargaining agreements remain in force indefinitely until the parties agree to change them.  With no contract expiration date, negotiators do not work against a fixed deadline.  Instead, negotiations proceed through various steps, including compulsory mediation, designed to encourage a negotiated settlement.

Neither side can engage in "self help" - a labor strike or a unilateral implementation of management terms - unless these steps have been exhausted.  The RLA was expressly designed to avoid disruptions to rail transportation due to labor disputes.

Check back for updated information regarding the RLA bargaining.